Trinity, NC Lost Male Cat, Merle Is Missing

Facebook Community Response

Sheila M.

2 months ago

This also works for in/out kitties- Since he/she's an indoor kitty, he/she's likely very nearby, within a 7 house radius, hiding in fear. One of the most effective tips I see posted is- Take treats and a flashlight out when it's dawn/dusk/ night. Walk slowly, shine light under bushes and other areas, like decks and crawl spaces, and up into trees. Pause, shake treats, calmly call his/her name. Listen for rustling sounds or replies. Take a few more steps, repeat. OnlY do this within your own yard, so you don't accidentally encourage your cat to leave the immediate area. Many cats will not reply even to owners when lost. Important to keep ur voice calm and gentle, even though ur stressed and panicked. Post on NextDoor. Notify mail carrier that ur looking for him/her. Notify neighbors so they know he/she's not a stray if they see him/her. Look at neighbors doorbell cams for sightings. ****Indoor cats will often try to get back inside, but can't find a way in.**** If safe, leave a door or window cracked, with smelly cat food and/or your worn clothing nearby. If not safe to leave door open, make sure u still leave water out for him/her. Food, too, if u can keep an eye on it to make sure dominant strays don't get to it and consequently keep him/her away. Have a safe, warm box shelter box nearby.

Sheila M.

2 months ago

When in/out cats don't come home, it's usually because they've gotten stuck or closed up into something unexpectedly. Check under/inside decks, crawl spaces, sheds, garages, any other structures with doors. Ask neighbors to check, or let u check, those areas on their property. Signs with photo posted quickly all around the area can help a lot. Post on NextDoor, and on all surrounding lost pet sites. Critical to keep searching. Many cat owners stop their search way too soon. Creating a "safe zone" for him to reapproach home is essential if he was scared away, and could be stuck in fear state. Also, if he's closed up or stuck somewhere, he can't return until you locate that place, so calling for him isn't always successful. Kim Freeman Cat Detective has extensive details on this and other tips on her website. Hope he's home soon!

Sheila M.

2 months ago

The effectiveness of signs posted quickly all around the area can not be overstated. Reaches those not on social media and lets neighbors know he/she's not a stray.

Revonda H.

2 months ago

Please check all buildings and sheds and all places he could be accidently closed in!!!!

Anne A.

2 months ago

Ask neighbors IN PERSON if possible to check their outdoor buildings and under their houses soon. Posters work better than social media for sightings and help from the community. Would a neighbor be mean and carry him off? Unfortunately, it is Coyote mating season and they are very active right now.

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